New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Criticizes Flawed FAA Investigation of US Airways

July 8, 2007 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson issued the following statement in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s investigative report concluding that US Airways was cleared of wrongdoing in the Dana Papst case.

Unlike the FAA, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety conducted a thorough investigation and concluded -- with the help of witness statements -- that Dana Papst was served alcohol while already drunk aboard U.S. Airways. Papst, whose blood-alcohol was four times the legal limit, drove head-on into another vehicle last November, killing five members of a Las Vegas family.

“I am not surprised that the FAA came to a different conclusion after failing to interview any passengers,” Governor Richardson said. “This tragic incident is an example of why states must be more involved in regulating the serving of alcohol on airlines that fly into our state and have a direct impact on the public safety of New Mexico citizens.”

The state recently denied a temporary extension of U.S. Airway’s license to sell alcohol aboard its airlines that fly into New Mexico. The state Regulation and Licensing Department is reviewing U.S. Airways’ application for a permanent license.

Source: New Mexico Governor